Archive By Section - Local News

Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen (R-Modesto) and Assemblymember Adam Gray (D-Merced) introduced their first bills for the 2015-16 Legislative Session on Monday, which seek to curb frivolous lawsuits related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so that businesses in the Central Valley and across California can keep their doors open while they work to comply with access laws.

With the U.S. average price of gasoline at $2.80 as of Monday, Nov. 24, the national average is at its lowest level since December 2010. Especially this week, Americans should be grateful that 80 percent of the nation's gas stations are reporting prices under $3/gallon, compared to just 22 percent at this time in 2013.

At least 125 construction jobs and 80 full-time health care positions are at risk if a local developer pulls the pin on an anticipated 110-room assisted living facility for seniors planned for the west side of town. The reason: fees assessed by the city for the project.

As California consumers load up online shopping carts this holiday season, they might not realize these purchases are taxed to support vital public services. Online shoppers who are not charged sales tax may owe use tax, which has been imposed on purchases from out-of-state retailers since 1935. Like sales tax, use tax helps fund public safety, education and more.

With the City of Oakdale required to do a self-evaluation of its Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and develop a formal transition plan, the Oakdale City Council on Monday, Nov. 17 unanimously approved an item for the city to address the changes necessary to implement accessibility in its buildings, parks and public rights-of-way.

In just barely one week, the kitchen area of the Gene Bianchi Community Center will once again be clanking and moving. Twenty one years later, the Spirit of Oakdale community meal is more than an institution; it is a fine oiled machine. On Thursday, Nov. 27 the small army and committee will once again open the doors at 11 a.m. and serve up a free Thanksgiving meal to anyone who stops by.

U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) voted with the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 14 to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, creating 42,100 jobs and moving the country towards greater energy independence.

A Sconza Candy Company employee has filed federal charges against a local bakers union and her employer for a litany of rights violations regarding mandatory union membership and a subsequent suspension she received for not joining the union in a timely manner.

The 2014 Thanksgiving Break is going to start just a bit early for Oakdale High School freshman Hope Kindred. The 14-year-old will be boarding a plane on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 20, but she will not be headed for a tropical family vacation. Hope will be boarding a red eye flight out of Sacramento with a final destination of New York City.

Faced with the possibility of financing a $20,000 special election as well as having to wait until the end of the year, the Oakdale City Council unanimously approved moving forward with the decision to appoint someone to fill Don Petersen's upcoming vacant seat.

Three members of the Oakdale Police Department were recognized for heroic action on Monday night, Feb. 2 stemming from a 2014 incident where a man threatened his family with a knife and who attempted to take his own life in the process.

For the second time the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office has asked the court to grant them more time to decide if they will pursue criminal charges against a Turlock man accused of sexually assaulting an employee at his Oakdale pizzeria.